Picks and Pans: Music

The World According to ...

Stripped down to her soulful essence on this take-featured on the deluxe edition of her self-titled debut-you can feel Houston reaching for heaven. Now it's truly as if that voice, resplendent in power and purity, is coming from above.

MADONNA

"Over and Over"

Whitney's death makes me want to appreciate this other '80s icon even more, but frankly, I'm underwhelmed by "Give Me All Your Luvin'." While awaiting the rest of MDNA, due March 26, I've rediscovered this giddy 1984 gem.

LANA DEL REY

"Video Games"

Before you pass judgment on this polarizing newcomer, listen to this haunting highlight from Born to Die. You may rethink that whole SNL controversy.

RUMER

"Aretha"

A '70s-soaked standout from this Brit's debut, Seasons of My Soul, that does Miss Franklin proud.

GRAFFITI6

"Free"

More irresistibly charming retro pop from the U.K. It's on Colours, the vivid debut album by this duo.

The GOP frontrunner has been pumping Kid Rock's "Born Free" but was asked to stop using K'Naan's "Wavin' Flag" and Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" by the artists.

NEWT GINGRICH

Gingrich was also forced to drop "Eye of the Tiger," but he can still rock Martina McBride's "Independence Day" and Brooks & Dunn's "Only in America."

RON PAUL

The Texas Congressman has struck up "The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)" from Star Wars. Now that's what we call thinking out of the (ballot) box!

WHAT ABOUT RICK SANTORUM?

The former Pennsylvania senator hasn't been playing any notable music during his campaign, preferring the sounds of silence.

ARETHA FRANKLIN

Knew You Were Waiting

This compilation, subtitled The Best of Aretha Franklin 1980-1998, finds writer-producers like Luther Vandross and Lauryn Hill and duet partners like George Michael and Eurythmics joining for a regal ride along the freeway of soul.

SINEAD O'CONNOR

How About I Be Me (and You Be You)?

It's nice to hear O'Connor back, doing what she does best, and that's not tweeting. At times-like on the upbeat single "The Wolf Is Getting Married"-she even sounds like she just might get her happily ever after.